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Years ago, when I was a criminology student, I spent many hours writing about criminal behaviour for term papers. By the time I received my diploma, I realized I'd rather write crime fiction than work for the Criminal Justice System, a decision I've never regretted.
While I learned the craft of writing, I worked as a secretary for accountants, professors, lawyers, and a host of other interesting people and businesses. Many experiences from those years worked their way into TAXED TO DEATH, my first mystery novel, which was followed up by FATAL ENCRYPTION. When I left full time employment to raise my children, I used pockets of free time to develop short fiction while I kept working on novels. Needless to say, a number of my parenting experiences found their way into stories, essays, and anecdotes. When my children were older, I returned to a paying job and worked in retail for five years. From there, I ventured into security work, where I trained as a patrol and communications officer. Currently, I am devoting more time to fiction, as well as blogs and book reviews while holding a part-time job at Simon Fraser University. My second series, featuring public transit security officer Casey Holland, begins with THE OPPOSITE OF DARK, a tale of the ramifications of family deceit. My work experience as a patrol and communications officer in the security business turned out to provided invaluable background information for Casey's adventures. DEADLY ACCUSATIONS focuses on Casey's working life with the murder of a colleague she didn't like very much. BENEATH THE BLEAK NEW MOON is about street racing, a problem that arises in most cities all over North America. THE DEEP END is a story about youth at risk, and the many forms this takes. The story is based on my volunteer experience at a youth detention centre while I was studying criminology. My 5th Casey Holland mystery KNOCK KNOCK is a story about home invasions that have dangerous consequences for Casey. A few years ago, I branched out to write novellas and created a brand new character named Evan Dunstan. Evan's a campus security guard with a penchant for trouble and his debut appearance is in DEAD MAN FLOATING. The second installment A TOXIC CRAFT features his feisty grandmother Martha and her cronies who cause no end of trouble for Evan. Writing Awards Include:
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